Portraits of Peoria

Portraits of Peoria is a public art endeavor honoring notable past Peorians (or those who called central Illinois home) who changed our community and changed the world. Local artists are chosen to create original works of art, which in turn are turned into larger than life portraits. In 2021, two portraits were displayed on the Central Building at the corner of Main and Adams Streets in Peoria, IL. In 2022, the program was expanded to the Peoria Public Library (Main Library) in downtown Peoria. The portraits are now enabled with augmented reality technology through the use of a free app.

Our goal is to encourage residents of central Illinois to feel pride in our community, recognize the impact Peorians have had on the world, and to honor some of the major influencers who called Peoria home. 

Thank you to the following who made Portraits of Peoria possible:
Augmented Reality Funding – Community Foundation of Central Illinois
Mural Support – Sharon & John Amdall
Program Support – Discover Peoria and the City of Peoria
This program is supported partially by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. 

Thank you to the numerous private donors who support Big Picture Initiative for sponsoring the project.